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5 Questions with Janson Anderson on the Refrigerator Recycling Program's Final Year

April 11, 2016

Looking for ways to save on your bill and help the environment? By participating in one or more of our efficiency and conservation programs, you can do just that.

In the past five years, we've helped customers recycle more than 31,000 old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers. In fact, the Refrigerator Recycling Program has been so successful that this year will be its last.

We caught up with Janson Anderson, Director, Customer Programs, to talk about what the program has accomplished and why you shouldn't put off booking your pick-up in 2016.

Why did we start offering this program in 2010?

Six years ago almost half of the households in the province had a second fridge and most of them were old and inefficient. Since major appliances including refrigerators and freezers are responsible for roughly 40% of a household's energy use, we saw this as an opportunity for savings. The Refrigerator Recycling Program was created to help the environment and reduce power bills at no extra cost to customers.

Why is 2016 the final year for the program?

Every year, we review all of our programs to make sure our customers are getting the most savings possible. In the past five years we've collected more than 31,000 fridges and freezers. Our research tells us that we've recycled many of the worst power-guzzlers while bringing down the average age of fridge and freezers in Saskatchewan. The average age for a primary appliance is now 10-years-old, down from 13-years-old in 2002. We believe now is the time to turn our attention to developing new programs that help us save power.

Why should I take part?

This is your last chance to take part in the program. Not only can you save money on your power bill by recycling your old fridge and purchasing a newer model (about $50-$130 saved per year), but you don't have to do any of the heavy lifting. We'll pick up the fridge and/or freezer and recycle it for free.

You'll also be helping the environment as this program keeps hazardous materials such as oils, refrigerant, Mercury-containing devices, glass, CFC foam, fibreglass, plastics and metals, out of our landfills.

What did the program achieve?

Since its launch in 2010, our Refrigerator Recycling Program has collected and responsibly recycled more than 31,000 fridges saving the equivalent of 4.6 megawatts of power.

What do you want to say to the customers who participated in the Refrigerator Recycling Program?

First off - thank you! You've truly made a difference these past five years. Together we've reduced overall power use in Saskatchewan and helped the environment.

Look out for new programs to help further lower your power bill and protect the environment, such as the Retail Discount Program. This program can help you with buying Energy Star lighting products and smart technology, such as smart plugs and power bars. If you still have a fridge or freezer older than 2004, don't wait. Sign up by September 30, 2016 by calling 1-877-757-3292 or by going to www.saskpower.com/we-haul and arrange for your free pickup. You've got the power TO SAVE!

Quotables:

"Since major appliances including refrigerators and freezers are responsible for roughly 40% of a household's energy use, we saw this as an opportunity for savings."

"Not only can you save money on your power bill by recycling your old fridge and purchasing a newer model (about $50-$130 saved per year), but you don't have to do any of the heavy lifting. We'll pick up the fridge and/or freezer and recycle it for free."